Is trimming the intake manifold gasket worth it?

Dremel time!

 

Of course the more air you can flow the more energy you can create ...... but none that you would notice on the road though, maybe with the head on the flow bench you would see your handywork results but not on the street should you still be keen on removing the overhang

 

HP gain?..infantesimal I would guess, but hey, you are right there anyway , you were keen enough to spot it..and it IS a performance car so why not ... just remenber you are downstream of the filter so be very careful not to leave any hanging chads!

 

You might consider using an 'X-Acto' knife trimming as close to the port as possible with out scuffing the aluminum, then followed by a 'Half Round' minature file.

I doubt you will feel or even measure any differrence in power, but the lack of turbulance in the port will make you sleep better at night, and make the red paint job shine a little better.

If it were mine, I would fit the gasket.

Doug Crall

 

Doug, if you are going to go around giving technical advice in this place you are going to have to learn it is no place for common sense or a rational, educated position.


Cut it out.

 

I don't think the Victor wrench will make the gaskets fit any better.

The real advantage to doing your own motor is that you can take the time with little details that in the real world probably make no difference and the bill won't spiral out of control. And like my big brother alluded to you can go to bed knowing you did every little detail that will make it a good motor.

 

oops, sorry ..... my bad

 

Look at the handle of your acetylene torch. It probably says Airco or Victor.

 

This is one of the reasons why people take their manifolds and haved it
Match Port so by all means trim the MF as it makes a diff. Why do you think a weber venturi comes in an increment of a millimeter (mm)? And yes its worth it.

Mike

 

Now that we have given you time to assemble your engine, and you have given us time to mull over the other options to you gasket problem, I think I have remembered what might be a good fix.

The port hole in the gasket is probably the correct size, the gasket holes just weren't punched symetrically. Check your pencile drawer in the office and grab a paper hole punch and hog out the bolt holes in the gasket, then as my younger, and usually smarter brother would do, use a good eye and careful aim when assembeling.

Probably fit.
Doug

 

I always match the gaskets. Check your local welding store for a round sanding attachment for a die grinder. That should do the trick. Just be careful around the aluminium (put some duct tape around to protect it).

Ray

 

I think we might be related